media in brief
- Tunisian professional journalists
There are today, in Tunisia, 1021 professional journalists (as compared to 639 in 1990). About 35% of Tunisian professional journalists are women. 53% are university graduates and about half are under 40 years of age. Journalists and publishers have their own-elected and independent organizations.
- Print media
There are today 264 Tunisian newspapers and magazines (compared to 91 in 1987). The overwhelming majority of these publications are privately-owned and editorially-independent. Political parties, organizations and unions put out their own publications.
Five of Tunisia's nine dailies are published in Arabic. Four dailies are published in French. There are weekly newspapers and magazines and other periodical publications in Arabic, French, English and Italian.
Tunisian newspapers and magazines receive support from the state, including exemptions from customs duties for printing material and subsidies covering the the cost of newspaper production. The state also bears a part of the cost of international newspaper distribution.
- Radio and television
The National Radio and Television (ERTT) is the oldest broadcasting institution in the country. Beside ensuring national public radio and television broadcasts, ERTT serves as an umbrella for five regional public radio stations covering various parts of the country. Public radio and television programs cater to the different concerns and tastes of Tunisian audiences. Parliamentary hearings are broadcast live on TV and television talk-shows include representatives of all political parties, including those of the opposition. "TV 21" and "Youth Radio" gear their broadcasts towards young audiences.
Private radio and television stations have started broadcasting since 2003. The first private radio station was " R adio Mosaique FM ," launched in November 2003 broadcasting from Tunis . The first private satellite Television station was " Hannibal TV ," which started broadcasting on February 13, 2005.
A second private FM-radio station, " Radio El Jawhara ", was launched from Sousse, on July 25, 2005. The signal of this new private station covers the east-central part of the country. Other private radio and TV stations are expected in the future.
ERTT's "TV-7" and "Hannibal TV" programs are accessible internationally, via satellite.
Radio and television broadcasts are mostly in Arabic. There are however daily television news programs in French and English. Tunis International Radio station (RTCI) broadcasts in French, English, German, Italian and Spanish.
- Opposition media
There are seven political opposition parties in Tunisia. Five of them are represented in Parliament. Several of the opposition parties publish regularly their own newspapers. Opposition publications address all issues, and do naturally publish views that are critical of government policies.
Opposition and opinion newspapers receive state support allowing them to get back 60% of the costs of newspaper production. (Assistance by the state to opposition papers is unconditional and covers on average the production and printing costs of a weekly publication with a circulation of 15,000 copies).
- Media and the Internet
With nearly one million internet users in the country, Tunisia is one of the best connected nations in the region.
Most Tunisian newspapers and magazines are available online. The public has access to all foreign media via the Internet. Web access is facilitated by the increasing availability of ADSL broadband connections throughout the country. Tunisian radio and television and " Radio Mosaique " broadcasts are also available online.
As part of the incentives offered to promote universal access to the web, Professional journalists enjoy special low-cost Internet connection rates.
- Foreign reporters in Tunisia
Hundreds of foreign reporters visit Tunisia each year, while about 100 foreign correspondents are permanently based in Tunis. All correspondents and special envoys enjoy adequate conditions for the free exercise of their profession. Tunisia requires no special visas for journalists wishing to visit the country.
- Access to foreign media
About 1091 foreign publications and newspapers are distributed in the country (as compared to 450 such publications in 1987).Virtually all Tunisian households have access to radio and television. More than half Tunisian homes are equipped with satellite dishes. Two foreign television companies provide access by subscription to international broadcasts, including English language programming.
- Advertising
The majority of media advertising revenue (about 75 %) emanates from private business, which decides freely where to place its advertising. The remaining advertising (about 25%) comes from state-owned companies, which publish their advertising in all newspapers and magazines, including those of the opposition .
